National Weather Service Southern Region - Climate, Water and Weather

Tornado Safety Rules

Former Dallas Stars'
Joe Nieuwendyk
talks about tornado safety and NWS Watches and Warnings.
Photo courtesy of Melody Woodall

Before the Storm

Develop a plan for you and your family at home, work, school, and when outdoors.
Know the county/parish in which you live, and keep a highway map nearby to follow storm movement from weather bulletins.
Have a NOAA Weather Radio with a warning alarm tone and battery back-up to receive weather warnings.

Learn the NWS tornado watch and warning terminology

Tornado WATCH: Tornadoes are possible in your area. Remain alert for approaching storms.
Tornado WARNING: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. If a tornado warning is issued for your area and the sky becomes threatening, move to your pre-designated place of safety.
Severe Thunderstorm WATCH: Severe thunderstorms are possible in your area.
Severe Thunderstorm WARNING: Severe thunderstorms are imminent or occurring.

If a warning is issued or threatening weather approaches

In a home or building, move to a pre-designated shelter, such as a basement.
If an underground shelter is not available, move to an interior room or hallway on the lowest floor and get under a sturdy piece of furniture.
Stay away from windows.
Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car; instead, leave it immediately.
If caught outside or in a vehicle, lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression, but beware of heavy rains which may produce flooding.
Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes and should be abandoned for a more sturdy structure.